Short answer: the JBL Stage 250B. It ranks #97 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5) at $439.95 and is still sold new; the ELAC BS U5 ranks #118 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The ELAC BS U5’s replacement, the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52, is rated 2.4/5 at $799.
The JBL Stage 250B is the better-sounding pick. Affordable current bookshelf speakers with a waveguide tweeter for smooth dispersion, magnetic grilles and solid build. The tradeoff: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance.
The ELAC BS U5 is the more accurate pick. A slim discontinued bookshelf speaker with a coaxial driver for smooth off-axis sound and good listening-height flexibility. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.71 against 4.06 for the JBL Stage 250B. The catch: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points (around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter)) at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover.
Buy the JBL Stage 250B. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the ELAC BS U5 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 250B | ELAC BS U5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.95 per pair | $856 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #97 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #118 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer | 1” tweeter + 5.25” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz (-6dB) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB/2.83V/1m | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in | 13.4”H x 7”W x 11.5”D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.06 | 4.71 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.60 | 6.79 (spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Power Handling | 75W RMS | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
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